An Incomparable Ruby from Italy’s Last Queen

In 1930, Italian bookseller and scholar Tammaro de Marinis gifted Maria José of Savoy a ruby-and-diamond ring for her marriage to Italy’s Crown Prince Umberto. Maria José eventually became the queen of Italy in 1946; but it was unfortunately a short-lived title because, 27 days later, the Italian electorate abolished the monarchy. Fast-forward nearly 70 years and Sotheby’s Geneva is auctioning the Queen Maria-José Ruby Ring in its Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale on November 11, giving buyers the …